CJ Cup Byron Nelson: Scottie Scheffler takes two-shot lead in opening round

World number one Scottie Scheffler shot a 10-under-par 61 to take a two shot lead on the opening day of The CJ Cup Byron Nelson tournament in Texas.

It was Scheffler’s best round of the season as he seeks his first PGA Tour win of 2025, having finished fourth at last month’s Masters, the first major of the year.

The American, 28, eagled the ninth, after four consecutive birdies from the third, to go out in 29 shots and he added three more birdies on the back nine including on the final two holes.

Filipino Rico Hoey and Venezuelan Jhonattan Vegas sit in second place on eight under.

Scheffler missed last year’s tournament in his home state for the birth of his son, and he missed the beginning of this season after requiring surgery on a hand injury sustained on Christmas Day.

Last year he was the first player to win seven PGA Tour titles in a single season since Woods in 2007.

“I wouldn’t say anxious or eager, anything like that,” he said regarding the search for his first victory in 2025.

“I hit some good shots to start the round and I kept hitting fairways and greens.

“I got off to a pretty good start, and there’s three more days of the tournament. I’m just focused on going home and getting some rest.”